Monthly Archives: December 2008

Two Rivers by T. Greenwood

On Reading 4 Comments

Synopsis: Haunted by ghosts from his past and memories of his dead wife, Harper Montgomery finds his world thrown off its axis when a pregnant teenager whom he has never met shows up on his doorstep asking for a home. Review: I can only imagine what my fellow subway passengers must have thought of me, as I brushed the tears away from my eyes while popping Cheerios into my Ergo’ed daughter’s mouth as we hurtled through Brooklyn. T. Greenwood’s Two Rivers just about slew me,…

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The Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling

British Literature 2 Comments

Synopsis: A collection of traditional wizarding fairy tales translated by Hermione Granger and annotated by Albus Dumbledore–with an introduction by JK Rowling. Review: Why couldn’t Beedle the Bard be twice as long? I loved these stories, which read just like “real” fairy tales, but with a spin that marks them as belonging to the world of Harry Potter and friends. What could be a clever gimmick works because the stories themselves work even if you know nothing of Harry Potter. They’re classic in their execution…

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Interview with Author David Yoo

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I recently raved over David Yoo’s Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before, and I am so excited that he agreed to answer some questions. Hopefully this interview will pique your interest in reading the book! 1.) I could tell you were inspired by teen films from the 80s. What’s your touchstone film? And if Albert & Mia were 80s teen films, which ones would they be? Sixteen Candles was my touchstone film. In my opinion it’s by far the funniest and least corny…

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Thank you, Melissa (Book Nut)

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I participated in the Book Bloggers Christmas Swap, and Melissa the Book Nut was so kind to peek at my Amazon.com wishlist and give me McGee and Stuckey’s The Bountiful Container!! I am so excited to read it this winter and talk to my landlady about putting a container of herbs on her front porch this spring. Thank you Melissa!! And here’s a link to Shelly, who got a secret Santa package from me!

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Book Giveaway for Facebook Fans

On Reading 1 Comment

I’d like to thank everyone who is a fan of my blog on Facebook by running a book giveaway contest. The prize is a copy of Maria Semple’s This One Is Mine–read my review here. To enter, leave a comment anywhere on the site. Then copy the link containing your comment and paste it on the wall for my blog’s Facebook page. You have to be a member of Facebook and a fan of the site to post on the wall. Deadline is 11:59 EST…

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This One Is Mine by Maria Semple

American Literature 2 Comments

Synopsis: A bored LA housewife falls into a flirtation with a scummy ex-junkie, while her sister-in-law sets about trapping a wealthy husband. Review: This One Is Mine cuts a lot deeper than my synopsis would imply. It’s not a trashy pulp beach read, but rather a scabrous dissection of the worst of human impulses, with a healthy dose of redemption thrown in at just the right time. In many ways, it reminds me of Elise Blackwell’s Grub, which I called a “satire brimming with humanism.”…

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Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One Before by David Yoo

American Literature 2 Comments

Synopsis: After winning the heart of the most popular girl in school, dorky Albert risks losing it all when her alpha ex-boyfriend develops Hodgkin’s. Review: Imagine the dorkiest kid you can imagine–the guy with no social filter, the one who’s never seen talking to anyone, who eats lunch in the cafeteria and never makes eye contact. Now picture the pretty popular girl with perfect calves and bouncy hair and a smile that’s an invitation to share in eternal happiness. Now make them kiss. You can’t…

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Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby

American Literature

Synopsis: A math whiz blows a huge presentation just days before graduation, and now he’s haunted by the ghosts of his family’s past tragedies and the very real threat posed by his unhinged rival. Review: The afterword says that M. Ann Jacoby toiled at Life After Genius for years. I’m hoping it doesn’t take her as long to get the next one out because she’s got a great writing style and brings a lot of intelligence and originality to her storytelling. The book is reminiscent…

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Books Make the BEST Gifts–Video!

On Reading

Check out this awesome video featuring authors talking up the reasons to give books to all those on your gift list: My wish list is here–I always want books! Reading a YA book for work right now–things have sadly slowed down and this is the first book I’ve been assigned to read in months. I’m mildly amused because the author gave one character the name of a state and another character the name of a prominent city in that state. It’s obviously an accident, and…

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Your Roots are Showing by Elise Chidley

British Literature

Synopsis: Lizzie wishes her husband hadn’t accidentally gotten that email complaining about him, because now he wants a divorce and she can’t figure out how to win him back. Review: Your Roots are Showing belongs firmly to the Bridget Jones school of chick lit. Lizzie is pudgy, disheveled, and fashion unconscious. She’s prone to charming outbursts of clumsiness, and despite her lack of self-awareness she still manages to be self-deprecating. And of course she always wins the heart of the hottest guy in the room.…

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